WOW! Jana is 19 tomorrow!

Well, my oldest child is turning 19 on June 4th. It's so hard to believe. I remember when I was that age.

Nineteen years ago I became a Mother. What a feeling that was. Jana was a beautiful baby. I remember the nurse bringing her to me the first night to feed. When they came back to see if I was finished, so they could take her back to the nursery, I told them I wasn't. I was finished nursing, but I was not finished looking at her and holding her. The feelings and thoughts I had are still fresh in my mind. I just couldn't believe that beautiful baby girl actually came from me. It was an amazing feeling that I'll never forget!

When she was a toddler, she was a tiny little thing with a squeaky voice. She became quite the little boss around the house. She looked so sweet in her little pink dresses, etc. Funny, she doesn't like wearing pink at all now, and says I dressed her in it too much then. When she was almost two, her brother was born and she loved helping out with him. She took the responsibility as a big sister, very serious.

As a very young child, she had quite a busy social life. She constantly had her friends, Dobba and Bobba over. She called their parents, Razza and Dazza, quite frequently to see if they could come and play. They were of course, her imaginary friends, if you hadn't already guessed by their names. She forgot them at Nanny and Poppy's cottage one day and was very upset, until Nanny said she'd get them on the next train home. This satisfied Jana and she was happy once again.

She took piano lessons, was in gymnastics, took canskate, and played toddler ball. She tried hard at whatever she participated in. I remember when she was in Kindergarten and track and field was coming up. I believed that participation was what counted, not how you placed, so me being such an encouraging Mom, signed her up for all events, including the 400 m race. Obviously, I don't know much about distance. When we got to the event, I found out the 400 m race was all the way around the track. Did I ever feel awful. Well, that day I was so proud of Jana. I think she came close to last, but she made it all the way around and crossed the finish line into my arms with a beautiful smile. I was so proud of her, and knew I probably couldn't have done it myself at that time.

Through the years, Jana did well in school, always giving her best. She played basketball on an intramural team a couple of years, and even tried hockey a few times. After graduating from grade 8, and receiving the "Servant's Heart Award", she had the opportunity to travel with one of her friend's family to California and back that summer. She was gone for 7 weeks, and I missed her so much, but was thrilled at the opportunity she was given.

In highschool she maintained marks at the Honors level. She made the Field Hockey team for two years, as well as played on the badminton team. I loved attending games and tournaments.

Now, she has finished her first year at the University of Ottawa, where she is majoring in Criminology. It is a blessing to have her home for the summer, before she heads back to Ottawa to attend her second year. She loves God and is seeking His will for her life.

Happy Birthday Beautiful!

Love Mom